Lambton OPP is investigating after a Corunna resident reportedly lost over $8,500 in a grandparent scam.
Provincial police said the victim received a phone call on December 4 from someone they believed was their grandchild, who needed money for an emergency.
The victim was transferred to "a lawyer" who was handling the so-called case and arrangements were made for an unknown person to collect the money from the victim's home.
OPP describe the suspect as being a man in his 30s, approximately 5'10 tall, with dark hair, and a dark complexion. Police said he wore a face mask.
The victim was contacted a second time as the scammer tried to obtain an additional $8,200. However, the bank intervened and prevented that from happening.
Lambton OPP is advising residents to be aware of the warning signs: urgency, fear, and secrecy.
Police said a scammer will make their request sound urgent so that the victim doesn't have time to verify the story, they will try to generate fear from the victim -- playing on their emotions, and they will ask the victim to not tell anyone about the situation.
To avoid being scammed, police are advising people to check with a loved one to verify information before sending money or providing any personal information.
"It is vitally important that the incident be reported every time it occurs, to allow police to investigate and prevent others of becoming victims," read a media release issued by OPP.
Those with information that may help with this investigation are asked to contact Lambton OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Sarnia police issued a similar advisory earlier this week for elderly residents to be aware of the scam.
